Forbidden Broadway’s ‘Spamilton’ Blends Clever Song, Dance and Satire

When Gerard Alessandrini witnessed the sweeping impact of Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton,” he knew just what he had to do.

He had to spoof it.

“It was the biggest hit show to arrive in Broadway since I had come there in 1981,” remembers Alessandrini, whose Tony-winning revue Forbidden Broadway has parodied top Broadway productions for decades. “I thought ‘Wow, I’ve spent most of my life spoofing Broadway shows — I have to do this one.’”

Himself an ardent “Hamilton” fan and a veteran playwright and director, Alessandrini took this comedic undertaking seriously.

That’s because the show also parodies the overall theater industry, with jokes about Stephen Sondheim and many famous Broadway shows, spanning “The Music Man,” “West Side Story” and more.

Even non-theatergoers will appreciate the physical comedy and the cast’s skilled performances.

“You can enjoy this on many levels,” Alessandrini assures. “By itself, it’s a really funny show. Even if people haven’t seen Broadway shows, they can enjoy the music and dancing, and those who have seen ‘Hamilton’ will get the inside jokes.”

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